Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce company, Interswitch, has successfully hosted its first-ever Sierra Leone Fintech Forum. The groundbreaking event which took place on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel, Freetown, Sierra Leone, brought together key stakeholders, industry experts, and innovators to unlock the potential and future of financial technology in Sierra Leone.
The Sierra Leone Fintech Forum served as a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange within the burgeoning fintech ecosystem. The event aimed to foster a deeper understanding of the transformative power of fintech and its role in shaping Sierra Leone’s economic landscape.
Speaking at the event, Akeem Lawal, the Managing Director, Payment Processing and Switching (Interswitch Purepay), highlighted the importance of fintech in driving innovation and growth in the African economy. He said, “Interswitch is proud to have played a pivotal role in bringing together the brightest minds in the fintech space. The forum reflects our commitment to driving innovation and facilitating the digital transformation of financial services in Sierra Leone.”
The Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone Dr. Ibrahim Stevens who graced the inaugural Fintech event expressed his pleasure at the initiative to discuss the future of digital payments in Sierra Leone. In his speech, the Governor reiterated the need to grow the digital payment ecosystem leveraging collaborations, technology and capacity building. He also called on Interswitch to leverage its digital payment system by infusing the USSD mobile system with its digital payment system.
The event featured panel sessions where renowned speakers and thought leaders from the fintech industry shared valuable insights into the latest trends, emerging technologies, and transformative opportunities in Sierra Leone, as meaningful connections were forged between industry players, fostering collaboration and partnership opportunities.
Commenting on the essence of the forum, Jonah Adams, MD, Digital Infrastructure & Managed Services (Interswitch Systegra), said: “Fintech has the potential to revolutionize the way financial services are delivered in Sierra Leone. By embracing innovation, Sierra Leone can create a more inclusive and prosperous financial system, and with collaborations like the Interswitch Fintech Forum, Interswitch is committed to creating an enabling environment for fintech to thrive in Sierra Leone.”
Speaking at the event, Akeem Lawal, Managing Director, Payment Processing and Switching (Interswitch Purepay) underscored the pivotal role of fintech in spurring innovation and economic growth in the African landscape. He expressed, “Interswitch takes immense pride in playing a pivotal role in convening the brightest minds in the fintech realm. The forum mirrors our commitment to driving innovation and facilitating the digital transformation of financial services in Sierra Leone.”
Closing down, Akeem expressed Interswitch commitment in unlocking the digital financial sector in Sierra Leone. He said, “We are committed to the market, we committed in ensuring we enable the growth of the market. Every single fintech company in Nigeria started with interswitch. So we believe this ecosystem is the catalyst to take Sierra Leone to the next level.”
Attendees had the chance to engage in constructive conversations and explore potential synergies and gained a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory framework and its implications for the growth of the fintech sector.
Fintech is playing a critical role in transforming the way people access and use financial services in Africa. By providing innovative financial solutions that are more accessible, affordable, and convenient, Interswitch is helping to drive financial inclusion and economic growth across Africa.
